UFD: Two recent Utica fires caused by arson

UTICA, N.Y. -Two recent fires in the city of Utica were caused by arson, according to investigators at the Utica Fire Department.

Posted: Dec. 5, 2017 5:02 PM

Updated: Dec. 5, 2017 5:08 PM

Posted By: Audrey Russo

UTICA, N.Y. -Two recent fires in the city of Utica were caused by arson, according to investigators at the Utica Fire Department.

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One fire broke out early October 28th, in a mixed-use commercial and residential building on South Street. Investigators say the fire started on the first-floor side porch and spread to the basement, first floor, second floor and attic.

Around a week later, a fire was started in a car on Lansing Street. The fire nearly spread to surrounding cars and buildings.

While fires occurring within a relatively short amount of time can tip investigators off to certain patterns, they say each fire is still treated as a separate event.

"Every fire is looked at as unique incident," UFD Chief Fire Marshal Raymond Centolella said. "Every parameter of that fire is exhausted and ruled out to determine our origin and cause."

Both fires remain under investigation and no suspects have been named.

Three other fires from late October and early November were ruled accidental in cause. Two were caused by improperly discarded smoking materials and one was a kitchen accident.